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German Phrase

Lass uns jetzt das Gemüse klein schneiden.

/las ʊns jɛtst das ɡəˈmyːzə ˈklaɪ̯n ˈʃnaɪ̯dn̩/
Meaning"Let's cut the vegetables small now."
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Meaning

‘Let’s cut the vegetables into small pieces right now.’ The sentence is a friendly, informal invitation to start a cooking task together, emphasizing immediacy with ‘jetzt’.

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When to use

Use this phrase while cooking with friends or family, especially when you want to start preparing a dish together. It works well in a kitchen setting, at a cooking class, or when giving a quick instruction in a casual environment.

✦Grammar Breakdown

LassunsjetztdasGemüsekleinschneiden

1

Lass uns + infinitive

The construction ‘Lass uns’ (imperative of ‘lassen’) + infinitive expresses a suggestion that includes the speaker and listener, equivalent to ‘let’s’ in English.

2

Separable verb prefix

‘klein schneiden’ is a separable verb; in main clauses the prefix ‘klein‑’ moves to the front, but in the infinitive construction it stays attached to the verb.

3

Accusative object

‘das Gemüse’ is the direct object in the accusative case; the article ‘das’ signals neuter gender.

4

Adverb position

‘jetzt’ (now) is placed after ‘uns’ for natural flow, but can also appear earlier for emphasis.

🗨In Conversation

A

Lass uns jetzt das Gemüse klein schneiden.

Let's cut the vegetables into small pieces now.

Gute Idee, ich wasche es zuerst.

Good idea, I'll wash it first.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Lass uns jetzt das Gemüse klein schneidet.

    The verb must stay in infinitive form after ‘Lass uns’; ‘schneidet’ is a finite form and is incorrect here.

  • Lassen wir uns jetzt das Gemüse klein schneiden.

    ‘Lassen wir’ is a formal/plural suggestion; with ‘uns’ you need the informal ‘Lass uns’. Using both together is redundant.

↔Alternatives

  • Schneiden wir das Gemüse jetzt klein.

    We cut the vegetables small now.

  • Jetzt das Gemüse klein schneiden, okay?

    Now cut the vegetables small, okay?

  • Wir sollten das Gemüse jetzt klein schneiden.

    We should cut the vegetables small now.

de

Cultural Tip

In German kitchens ‘Gemüse klein schneiden’ is a standard step before sautéing or boiling. The phrase is informal; in a professional kitchen you might hear ‘Bitte das Gemüse fein hacken’. Also, ‘Lass uns’ is only used in familiar contexts – with strangers you’d use ‘Lassen Sie uns…’.